2-oxy-4-phthaloylamido-5-halobenzoate compounds

ABSTRACT

THIS INVENTION PROVIDES NOVEL PHTHALOYLAMIDO COMPOUNDS OF THE FOLLOWING GENERAL FORMULA:   2-(2-X,4-R,5-(R-O-)PHENYL)ISOINDOLINE-1,3-DIONE   WHEREIN X REPRESENTS A CHLORINE OR BROMINE ATOM, B REPRESENTS A FREE OR ESTERIFIED CARBOXYLIC ACID GROUP AND R REPRESENTS A HYDROGEN ATOM OR AN AKYL GROUP, AND PROCESSES FOR MAKING THEM. SUCH COMPOUNDS ARE USEFUL IN MAKING CERTAIN SPECIFIC 4-AMINO-5-HALO -2- SUBSTUTUTED BENZAMIDES, WHICH ARE KNOWN COMPOUNDS, SAY, N-(2DIETHYLAMINOETHYL)-2-METHOXY-4-AMINO - 5 - CHLOROBENZAMIDE, OF VALUE IN CHEMOTHERAPY, FOR INSTANCE, AS AN ANTIEMETIC. ADDITIONALLY, THESE COMP0UNDS ARE PHARMACOLOGICALLY ACTIVE IN THAT THEY EXHIBIT CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANT EFFECTS SO THE INVENTION ALSO PROVIDES PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING ONE OR MORE OF THESE COMPOUNDS AS THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT.

United.: StatCS Pilt'eflf'fqtf-l vclaims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention provides novel phthaloylamido compounds of the vfollowing general formula:

l ,i l

wherein X represents a chlorine or bromine atom, B represents a free or esteried carboxylic acid group and R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and processes for making them. Such compounds are useful in making certain specific 4-amino-5-halo 2 substituted benzamides, which are known compounds, say, vN-(2-d- 35 ethylaminoethyl)2methoxy4 amino 5 ehlorobenzn; amide, of value in chemotherapy, for instance, as an antiemetic. Additionally, these compounds are pharmacologically active in that they exhibit central nervous system depressant effects so the invention also"provides phar- 40 maceutical compositions containing-fone or more of these compounds as the active ingredient. f

RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuationin-part application -of U.S. application Ser. No. 4,587, tiled on Jan. 21, 1960, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVEN'I'I'QN 50 this invention is concerned with novel phthaloylamido 55 Y compounds of the following general formula:

Ptentea Apr. so, 1974 wherein X represents a chlorine or bromine atom, B rep A resents a free or esteriiied carboxylic acid group and R represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, to processes rfor making them, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. As' described in the specification of our copending patent applications Ser. Nos. 197,986 and 197,987 filed concurrently-herewith, such phthaloylamido compounds of the foregoing general Formula I are useful in making benzamide compounds of the following general formula:

wherein Xrepresents a chlorine or bromine atom, R rep- I resents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and Z represents a tertiary aminoalkyl group. Processes for making such benzamide compounds utilizing the phthaloylamido compounds of the general Formula I are described and claimed'in the aforementioned patent specifications. Benz amide compounds of the general Formula II are known to be pharmacological active and some of them, especial ly N-(Z-diethylaminoethyl)-2-methoxy-4amino5ch1orobenzamide, are useful in chemotherapy, broadly as regulators of the digestive system, and more speciically as antiemetics that may Ibe used in the treatment of emesis carriers. I Y

' 'STATEMENTS 0F -IPIVEITIOIl t tlccording'to this invention in a composition off matter 'aspect thereare provided novelA phthaloylamidotomf i' pounds of the :following general formula:

Preferred phthaloylamido compounds are those in which X- represents a chlorine atom, and each o :R and Rftwhichfmay be-,thesame or different, represents -aflower alkyl group.. such, z for. example, as '.methyl,A ethyl, propyl orisopropyl. Y, Y 1 v;

Some of the phthaloylamido compounds ofthe general v Formale I, fer instance, those inwhieh R .reprssentshydrogen may be u sed asfthe starting material in preparing other phthaloylamido compounds of the same general formula. In this sense, theconversion of one phthaloylamido compoundintoanotherof the same generalformula may represent an individal'raction step ii'a' multistag'e proo ess for making the benzamide compounds of the general ltions steps:

3v Formula n- Thom phthaloylamido compounds of the following general formula; l Y l central nervous system depressant activity and some analgesic activity suggesting potential utility in chemotherapy as psychotropic and/or analgesic agents.

According to this invention in its process aspect, the

phthaloylamido compounds of the foregoing general Formula I are prepared by chlorinating or brominating a y compound of Ithe following general formula:

wherein '.B and 'R have the same significance as previously 'whereby a chlorine or bromine atom is introduced at the '5-psition. Advantageously, in the compound of Formula III,' B' represents an esteried carboxylic acid and R repre- 'sents an alkyl group.- As used herein in the'context of alkyl the term lower connotes alkyl groups containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms inclusive, and the term known as applied to methods of effecting various reaction steps refers to methods in actual use and/orA described in the literature on the subject. p

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 0F THE INVENTION v:as

The ultimate starting material in the processes for making the phthaloylamido compounds of the general 'Formula I is conveniently p-aminosalicylic acid and, a key step at some stage in the preparation of particular phthaloylamido compounds is'the phthaloylation of the reactive amino group therein by reaction with phthalic anhydride to yield a p-phthaloylamidosalicylic acid compound. |Depending uponfthe nature of the compound of the general Formula I that is being synthesized, the processcs will usually involve the (i) esterication of the carboxylic acid function;

(ii)valkylationof the phenolic hydroxyl function; and

(iii) halogenationv with the introduction of a chlorine=or bromine atom as the case may bc at the 5-position in the benzene ring.

't The different steps that may be employed in preparing the phthaloylamido compounds of the general Formula I, 'and the integration of the individual reaction steps inra multi-stage process for making benzamide compounds of H1116 seneral Formula 1.! it llvtftesi. in the .followinv ow I. y I

following sequence of reac- ,FLOW .SHEET I -NHI COgH

III

COzRt COZH COzRi OOzRl v Dephthaloylatloxzi/ \minolysls/Dephthaloylation Z.NHOC

Legend:

R and Rxlower alkyl XEchlorine or bromlne ZE-tertiary aminnalkyl.

The different steps in an advantageous process according `to this invention for making lower alkyl 2-methoxy-4- phthaloylamido-S-chlorobenzoates and their conversion by a single stage dephthaloylation/aminolysis reaction into N-(2-diethylaminoethyl) 2 methoxy 4 amino 5- cllliloobcnzamidc am illustrated in the following flow s ec FLOW SHEET Il STEP 1 NH2 NH2 ESTERIFICATION 5 C 02H e.g. R101-I C OzRi (III) (IV) STEP 2 NH2 PHTHALIC ANHYD RIDE C OzRi- C O O H (1v) \C0/ O ll C C OzRi C l OH STEP 3 O ll C ALKYLATION N e.g. MezSO4 CO R C/ (Il 4o OH O Il /C N\ C 02B;

(VIH) STEP 4 o Il C NUCLEAR CHLO RINATION N C12 6o C OzRi (l) O Me (VIII') 0 65 ll C1 C C OzRr (lill C OMB STEP 5 /N(CHa)aNH1 C1 C Et N COMBINED AMINOLYSIS DEPHTHALOYLATION COaRi ("3 l O OMe NH2 Et N(CH2)2NHOC (IIa') Legend: RrElower alkyl.

The individual process steps that may be involved in making the different phthaloylamido compounds as illustrated in the foregoing llow sheets will now be further described.

The ultimate starting compound for making the phthaloylamido compounds is p-aminosalicylic acid, which is readily available commercially in the form of a white crystalline powder. This compound contains three functional groups, namely a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl groupand an amino group, all of which may Ibe involved as reaction centers at some stage in the processes according to this invention. Thus, the carboxyl group may be esteried, the hydroxyl group alkylated and the amino group phthaloylated, though not necessarily in that order.

Esterication is effected by any convenient known esteriication method, such, for example, as by heating the p-aminosalicylic acid with an excess of a lower alkanol, say, methanol, ethanol or isopropanol in the presence of a mineral acid, such as concentrated sulfuric acid, as catalyst. The methyl ester formed, for example, by heating the p-amino-salicylic acid with excess methanol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid, is the preferred ester since this is generally associated with the smoothest reaction and best yields in subsequent process steps. However, other esters such, for example, as ethyl, propyl, isopropyl and butyl may |be formed, for instance, by reaction of the acid with the corresponding lower alkanol, in this reaction step.

Alkylation of the phenolic hydroxyl group is accomplished by any convenient known alkylation method such for example, as by a Williamsons synthesis using an alkyl halide, conveniently a lower alkyl halide, or by reaction with an alkyl or dialkyl sulfate, conveniently a lower alkyl or dialkyl sulfate, an alkyl benzene, conveniently a lower alkyl benzene, or an alkyl toluene sulfate, conveniently a lower alkyl toluene sulfonate.

Phthaloylation of the reactive amino group is accomplished by reaction of the ester with the readily available phthalic anhydride to obtain a p-phthaloylamidosalicylic acid ester. This reaction is conveniently eiected by heating the reactants together in an organic solvent which is substantially inert to both reactants and in which both are at least partially soluble. Suitable organic solvents include, inter alia, high boiling aromatic solvents such, for example, as anhydrous toluene, or Xylene. Advantageously, the reaction is conducted in the presence of a small amount of a basic condensation catalyst such, for example, as triethylamine.

Esteriication of the carboxyl group and alkylation of the phenolic hydroxyl group may be accomplished in a single process step, conveniently, by reacting a p-phthaloylamidosalicylic acid compound with dimethylsulfate or similar alkylating agents under anhydrous and alkaline conditions. Advantageously, the reaction is carried out in an inert anhydrous organic solvent such, for example, as anhydrous acetone, methylethylketone or tetrahydrofuran in the presence of an alkali such, for example, as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate. The reaction is conveniently conducted at around room temperature or above under anhydrous conditions. It is desirable to exclude water from the reaction medium, otherwise side reactions may occur.

Nuclear halogenation, say, of an alkyl-2-alkoxy-4- phthaloylamidobenzoate with the introduction of a chlorine or bromine atom as the case may be at the S-position in the benzene ring may be accomplished by using any convenient known method of effecting such nuclear substitution. Conveniently, these -chloroand 5-bromocompounds are obtained by direct chlorination and bromination respectively, say, of an alkyl 2-alkoxy-4-phthaloylamidobenzoate in an inert solvent such as acetic acid, if desired, in the presence of a catalyst. Typically, the halogenation is effected at around room temperature or with slight cooling.

The following examples are provided by way of further illustrating, but not limiting, the invention. In these examples, the melting point data was obtained by the capillary tube procedure.

EXAMPLE 1 Methyl Z-methoxy-4-phthaloylamido-5-chlorobenzoate tPART A Methyl p-aminosalicylate 330 mls. of absolute methanol were introduced into a 1 liter round-bottom ilask fitted with a mechanical stirrer and a reflux condenser, and 136 gms. concentrated sulfuric acid (98%) were added in small portions while cooling the flask. Finally, 45.9 gms. (0.3 mole) of p-aminosalicylic acid were added, and the suspension so-obtained heated under reflux, with continuous stirring, for 5 hours. The solution was cooled to ambient temperature (25 C.) and then poured, with continued stirring, into a solution of 136.5 gms. of dry sodium carbonate in 1.3 liters of water. The methyl p-aminosalicylate so-formed precipitated out of solution and was separated by filtration, washed with water until disappearance of sulfate ions, then dried in a 'vacuum dessicator at 60 C. 44.2 gms. of the product were obtained as off-white crystals; melting point: 114 to 117 C.; yield 88%.

PART B Methyl p-phthaloylamidosalicylate 33.4 gms. (0.2 mole) methyl p-amnosalicylate obtained by the procedure of Part A of this example, 29.6 gms. (0.2 mole) phthalic anhydride and 2.02 gms. triethylamine (as a basic condensation catalyst) were added to 400 ml. anhydrous toluene as solvent in a 1 liter round-bottom flask fitted with a mechanical stirrer and a reux condenser with a water trap. The mixture was then refluxed for 31/2 hours while stirring continuously. It was then cooled to 0 C. on an ice bath, when the desired methyl p-phthaloylamido salicylate precipitated out in the form of a crystalline solid. This solid was separated from the solution by filtration, suspended in 200 ml. methanol and the suspension stirred for 30 minutes at ambient temperature. Thereafter, the purified methyl-phthaloylamido salicylate was recovered by filtration and dried at 80 C. in a vacuum dessicator to give 49 gms. (yield: 83%) of the product in the form of white, needle-shaped crystals. An analysis sample was recrystallized from acetone.

Melting point: 215 to 217 C.

Elementary analysis for C16H11NO5: Calculated (percent): C, 64.64; H, 3.73; N, 4.71,. Found (percent): C, 64-75; H. 3.70. N, 4.56.

Infra-red.-The infra-red spectrum of the compound in a Nujol mull showed characteristic absorption peaks and bands at the following wavelengths:

'yCO(phthaloyl): 1788; 1770; 1710 cm.-1 'yCO(ester): 1675 cm.-1

rPART C Methyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamidobenzoate 29.7 gms. (0.1 mole) methyl p-phthaloylamido salicylate obtained by the procedure of Part B of the foregoing example were added to 550 ml. anhydrous acetone in a 1 liter round-bottom flask fitted with a mechanical stirrer and a reflux condenser. 27.6 gms. (0.2 mole) powdered anhydrous potassium carbonate were added to the suspension followed by 13.86 gms. (0.11 mole) dimethyl sulfate, which was added slowly while continuously stirring. The mixture was refluxed for 20 hours. Thereafter, the bulk of the acetone was distilled off, and the residue, which was a thick paste, cooled to about 50 C. and diluted with 500 ml. water. The resultant suspension was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes. The solid product, methyl 2methoxy-4-phthaloy1amidobenzoate, was separated by filtration, washed with water until neutral and then dried in a vacuum dessicator at C. 30.1 gms. of the product, as white, needle-shaped crystals, were obtained (yield: 97% An analysis sample was recrystallized from acetone.

Melting point: 151 to 153 C.

4Elementary analysis for C17H13NO5: Calculated (percent): C, 65.59; H, 4.50; N, 4.2. Found (percent): C, 65.38; H, 4.65; N, 4.07.

Infra-red.-The infra-red spectrum of the compound in a Nujol mull showed characteristic absorption peaks and bands at the following wavelengths:

'yCO(phthaloyl): 1775; 1750; 1720 cru.1 yCO(ester): 1687 cm.-1

PART D Methyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamido-S-chlorobenzoate 15.35 gms. (0.05 mole) methyl Z-methoxy-4-phthaloylamidobenzoate obtained by the procedure of the foregoing Example 2 and 250 ml. glacial acetic acid were introduced into a 1 liter round-bottom ask tted with a m e-chanical stirrer, a thermometer and a dropping funnel. While the mixture was stirred continuously, there was added a solu-tion comprising 3.9 gms. (0.055 mole-) 'c-:hlorine gas dissolved in 50 ml. glacial acetic acid. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 11/2 hours. Thereafter, the reaction mixture was poured into 1500 ml. of cold water. The resulting precipitate, methyl 2- methoxy-4-phthaloylamido-5-chlorobenzoate, was separated by filtration, and added to 500 ml. saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The suspension was stirred for 30 minutes, after which the product was filtered olf, washed with water until there was no trace of chloride ions, then dried at 60 C. in a vacuum dessicator. 16.6 gms. of the desired methyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamido-S-chlorobenzoate were obtained (yield: 96% An analysis sample was recrystallized from methanol.

Melting point: 119 to 120 C.

Elementary analysis for IC17H12ClNO5: Calculated (percent): C, 59.05; H, 3.50; Cl, 10.25; N, 4.05. Found (percent): C, 59.14; H, 3.41;Cl, 10.42; N, 426.

Infra-red.--The infra-red spectrum of the compound in a Nujol mull showed characteristic absorption peaks and bands at the following wavelengths:

'yCOZ 1775, 1755, 1720 Unl 30.6 gms. (0.2 mole) salicyclic acid, 29.6 gms. phthalic anhydride and 2.02 gms. triethylamine, as a basic condensation catalyst, were added to 400 ml. anhydrous toluene as solvent in a 1 liter round-bottom ask Aitted with a mechanical stirrer, reflux condenser and a water trap. The mixture was retluxed for 31/2 hours with continuous stirring. It was then cooled to C. on an icc bath when the desired p-phthaloylamidosalicylic acid precipitated out in the form of a white crystalline solid. This solid was filtered off, suspended in 200 ml. of anhydrous methanol and stirred at 25 C. for 30 minutes. The purified product was iltered off and dried at 60 C. in an air oven, to give 43.3 gms. (yield 76.5%) 0f the product in the form of needle-shaped, white crystals. An analysis sample was recrystallized from acetone.

Melting point: 295 to 297 C.

Elementary analysis for CH9NO5: Calculated percent): C, 63.60; H, 3.18; N, 4.94. -Found (percent): C, 63.34; H, 3.21; N, 4.95.

Infra-red spectrum-The infra-red spectrum of the compound taken in a potassium bromide dispersion showed characteristic absorption ybands and peaks at the following wavelengths:

IyCO(phtha1oyl): 1780; 1765; 1730 cm.-1 IyCO(acid): 1670 cm.-1

PART B Methyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamidobenzoate A mixture comprising 22.64 gms. (0.08 mole) pphthaloylamidosalicylic acid, obtained by the procedure of the foregoing Example 4, 27.6 gms. (0.2 mole) powdered anhydrous potassium carbonate and 250 mls. anhydrous acetone as solvent Was stirred for 30 minutes at 25 C. n l liter round-bottom Iflask, 22.116 gms. (0.176 mole) dimethyl sulfate were slowly added to the continuously stirred suspension. The resulting mixture was reuxed for hours. The bulk of the acetone was then distilled ofi under reduced pressure, and the residue cooled to C., after which 500 mls. of water Were added thereto. f' The solid product, methyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylarnido-benzoate, was separated by filtration, washed with water until neutral and dried at 60 C. in an air oven, to -give 24.7 gms. (yield: 97%) of the product in the form of a white powder. An analysis sample was recrystallized from acetone.

Melting point: 151 to 153 C.

Elementary analysis for C17H13NO5: Calculated (percent): C, 65.59; H, 4.50; N, 4.20. y`Found (percent): C, 65.38; H, 4.61; N, 4.13.

Infrared.-The infra-red spectrum of the compound taken in a potassium bromide dispersion showed characteristic absorption bands and peaks at the following wavelengths:

'yCO(phthaloyl): 1775; 1750; 1720 cm.1 vCO(ester): 1687 cm.-1

PART C Methyl 2methoxy4-phthaloylamido-5-chlorobenzoate This was prepared by a similar procedure to thatrset forth in Part D of Example 1 herinbefore.

EXAMPLE 3 v Ethyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamido-5-chlorobenzoate IPART A Ethyl p-aminosalicylic acid 1'0 l The procedure of Part A of Example 1 was repeated exactly except that the absolute methanol, as the esterifying agent, was replaced by 260 mls. ethanol. 40 gms. of the desired ethyl p-aminosalicylic acid product were obtained in the form of olf-white crystals (melting point: 109 to 111 C.; yield: 73%).

PART B Ethyl p-phthaloylamidosalicylate The procedure of Part B of Example 1 was repeated exactly except that the methyl ester reactant was replaced by 36.2 gms. (0.2 mole) of the ethyl ester obtained by the procedure of Part A of this example. 50 gms. of ethyl p-phthaloylamidosalicylate were obtained (yield: 81%) in the form of white, needle-shaped crystals. An analysis sample was recrystallized from benzene.

Melting point: 193 to 196 C.

Elementary analysis for C17H13NO5: Calculated (percent); C, 65.59; H, 4.21; N, 4.50. Found (percent): C, 65.79; H, 4.41; N, 4.37.

PART C Ethyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamidobenzoate The procedure of Part C of Example 1 was repeated exactly except that ethyl p-phthaloylamidosalieylate obtained by the procedure of Part B of this example in an amount of 31.13 gms. (0.1 mole), was used in place of the corresponding methyl compound. 31 gms. of the desired ethyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamidobenzoate, as otiwhite crystals, were obtained (yield: An analysis sample was recrystallized from acetone.

Melting point: to 118 C.

PART D Ethyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamido-S-chlorobenzoate The procedure of Part D of Example 1 was repeated exactly except that the methyl compound was replaced by 16.25 gms. (0.05 mole) ethyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylarnidobenzoate obtained by the procedure of Part A of this example. 17gms. of the desired ethyl 2-methoxy-4- phthaloylamido-S-chlorobenzoate were obtained in the form of white, granular crystals (yield: 95%). An analysis sample was recrystallized from a benzene-hexane mixture.

Melting point: to 122 C.

Elementary analysis for C18H14CINO5: Calculated (percent): C, 60.09; `I-I, 3.92; Cl, 9.86; N, 3.89. Found (percent): C, 60.17; H, 4.05; Cl, 9.88; N, 3.78.

EXAMPLE 4 Isopropyl Z-methoxy-4-phthaloylamido-5- chlorobenzoate PART A Isopropyl p-aminosalicylic acid The procedure of Part A of Example 1 was repeated exactly except that the absolute methanol, as the esterifying agent, was replaced by 320 mls. isopropanol. 28.5 gms. of the desired isopropyl p-aminosalicylic acid product were obtained in the form of off-white, granular crystals (melting point 72 to 74 C.; yield: 49%

PART B Isopropyl p-phthaloylamidosalicylate The procedure of Part B of Example 1 was repeated exactly except that the methyl ester reactant was replaced by 39 gms. (0.2 mole) of the isopropyl ester obtained by the procedure of Part A of this example. 51 gms. of purified isopropyl p-phthaloylamidosalicylate were obtained (yield: 78%) in theform of white, needleshaped crystals. An analysis sample was recrystallized from acetone.

Melting point: 139 to 142 C.

Elementary analysis for C18H15NO5: Calculated (percent): C, v66.45; H, 4.65; N, 4.31. Found (percent): C, 66.21; H, 4.91; N, 4.54.

PART C Isopropyl 2-methoxy-4-phthaloylamidobenzoate The procedure of Part C of Example 1 was repeated exactly except that isopropyl p-phthaloylamidosalicylate obtained by the procedure of Part B of this example in an amount of 26 gms. (0.08 mole), was used in place of the corresponding methyl compound. 23.2 gms. of the desired isopropyl 2-methoxy-4phthaloylamidobenzoate, as white crystals, were obtained (yield: 86%). An analysis sample was recrystallized from isopropanol.

Melting point: 100 to 102 C.

Elementary analysis for C19H17NO5: Calculated (percent): C, 67.25; H, 5.05; N, 4.13. Found (percent): C, 67.51; H, 5.23; N, 4.01.

PART D Isopropyl 2 methoxy-l-phthaloylamido- 5-chlorobenzoate The procedure of Part D of Example 1 was repeated exactly except that the methyl compound was replaced by 16.96 gms. (0.05 mole) isopropyl 2-methoxy 4 phthaloylamidobenzoate obtained by the procedure of Part C of this example. 17.8 gms. of the desired isopropyl Z-methoxy 4 phthaloylamido 5 chlorobenzoate were obtained in the form of white, granular crystals (yield: 95% An analysis sample was recrystallized from a benzene-hexane mixture.

Melting point: 123 to 125 C.

Elementary analysis for C19H16C1NO5: Calculated (percent): C, 61.05; H, 4.32; Cl, 9.49; N, 3.73. Found (percent): C, 61.21; H, 4.14; Cl, 9.65; N, 3.77.

As indicated hereinbefore, it has been found in accordancejyvith this invention that the phthaloylamido compouds of the general Formula I have interesting biological properties in that such compounds when subjected to standard pharmacological evaluation exhibit central nervous system depressant activity. Additionally, such compounds have been found to possess analgesic activity.

Accordingly, this invention further provides in another of its aspects a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an essential active ingredient at least one active compound of the general Formula I in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

As indicated hereinbefore, it has been found in accordance with this invention that the phthaloylamido compounds of the `general Formula I and salts thereof have interesting biological properties in that such compounds when subjected to standard pharmacological evaluation exhibit central nervous system depressant activity and also analgesic activity. Compounds acting in this way may be expected to be of use as psychotropic drugs and/ or in treating certain symptoms of pain.

Accordingly, this invention further provides in another of its aspects a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an essential active ingredient at least one active compound of the general Formula I or a salt thereof in asso- ;iation with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier there- I or.

The compositions of the present invention are preferably administered either orally or rectally. Advantageously, the composition is in a dosage unit form appropriate to the desired mode of administration. For example, the dosage unit may be a tablet, capsule, pill, powder, packet, granule, wafer, elixir, suppository, or a measured quantity of a suspension, solution, a syrup of segregated multiples of the foregoing. The term dosage unit form as used in the speciCetiQn and claims refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects and animals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic elect in admixture, or otherwise in association, with a pharmaceutical carrier therefor, the quantity of the active ingredient being such that one or more units are normally required -for a single thereapeutic administration or that, in the case of severable units such as scored tablets, at least one fraction such as a half or a quarter of a severable unit is required for a single thereapeutic administration.

Advantageously, the compositions of this invention contain the active ingredient in an amount of at least 0.5% and not more than 95% by weight based on the total wight of the composition. Conveniently, the compositions of the invention when in dosage unit form contain 0.5 mg. to 1000 mg., and more conveniently from 5 mg. to 250 mg., of the active ingredient of Formula I.

The compositions of the present invention will normally consist of at least one compound of Formula I, typically in the form of an acid addition, say, hydrochloride or maleate salt thereof admixed with a carrier, or diluted by a carrier, or enclosed or encapsulated by a carrier in the form of a capsule, sachet, catchet, paper or other container. A carrier which serves as a vehicle, excipient or diluent medium for the therapeutically active ingredient may be a solid, semi-solid or a sterile liquid.

Some examples of the carriers which may be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are lactose, dextrose, sorlbitol, mannitol, starches such as wheat, corn, or potatoe starch, gum ac aci, calcium phosphate, liquid paraliin, cocoa butter, oil of theobroma, alginates, tragacanth, gelatin, syrup B.P., methyl cellulose, polyoxethylene sorbitan monolaurate, methyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates, pyrogen-free water and substantially isotonic saline solution. The choice of carrier is determined by the preferred form of administration, the solubility of the compound and standard pharmaceutical praotice. In the case of tablets a lubricant may be incorporated to prevent sticking and binding of the powdered ingredients in the dies and on the punch of the tabletting machine. For such purpose, there may be employed, for cxample, talc, aluminum, magnesium or calcium stearates or polyethylene glycols (Carbowaxes) of suitable molecular weight.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may contain, in addition to the active ingredient of the general Formula I, one or more other pharmacologically active ingredients which elicit desirable complementary effects.

Two examples of suitable pharmaceutical compositions according to this invention are presented below for the purpose of facilitating a better understanding of this aspect of the invention.

EXAMPLE A Tablets were made by the procedure described below from a mixture of the following ingredients:

Formulation:

Ingredient: Content (gms.) Methyl 2 methoxy4phthaloylamido5 chlorobenzoate 1000 Starch Talc 5 Magnesium stearate 5 13 containing respectively 50, 125 and 250 mg. of the active ingredient, l-benzyl 3 (3-aminopropoxy)-lH-indaziole hydrochloride.

EXAMPLE B Capsules were made by the procedure described below from a mixture of the following ingredients:

Formulation:

Ingredient: Content (gms.) Methyl 2 methoxy 4 phthaloylamido- 5 chlorobenzoate 100 Calcium phosphate 20 Procedure- The two powdered ingredients were l thoroughly mixed together and filled into hard gelatin capsules so that each capsule contained 50 mg. of the active ingredient, l-benzyl 3 (3benzylaminopropoxy) 1H-indazole hydrochloride.

In the foregoing Examples A and B, the active ingredient specified may be wholly or partly replaced by another pharmacologically active compound of the invention.

The effectiveness and toxicity of typical compounds of this invention were determined by standard pharmacological tests. Thus, the analgesic activity was confirmed and evaluated by means of the acetylcholine induced writhing test in mice following basically the procedure of Siegmund et al. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol., N.Y. 95 :729, 1957 except that acetylcholine replaced phenylquinone as the antagonist, and/or utilizing pain electrosimulation on the tail of mice by the mouse tail clip test following basically the procedure of Bianchi and David J. Pharm. Pharmocology l.l2:449, 1960. The central nervous system activity was confirmed and evaluated by a standard sleeping time test (potentiation of an anaesthetic) in mice.

What is claimed is:

1. A phthaloylamido compound of the following general formula:

o )It .i

R o (I) wherein X represents a chlorine or bromine atom, B represents a free carboxylic acid group or -CO2R1 wherein R1 is a lower alkyl group, and R represents a hydrogen atom or a loweralkyl group.

2. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein B represents -CO`V2R1 wherein R1 is a lower alkyl group, and R represents a lower alkyl group.

3. A compound of the formula:

R (Ia) Wagner et al., Synthetic Organic Chemistry, pp. 228, 229, 480, 568 (1953).

Noller, Chemistry of Organic Compounds (1965), pp. 526, 554.

JOSEPH A. NARCAVAGE, Primary Examiner U.S. CI. X.R. 

